Semiconductor package including photo imageable dielectric

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor package includes a frame, a semiconductor chip, a through via, a connection pad, a lower redistribution layer on the bottom surfaces of the frame and the semiconductor chip, a connection terminal on the lower redistribution layer, an encapsulant covering the top surfaces of the frame and the semiconductor chip, and an upper redistribution layer on the encapsulant. The lower redistribution layer includes a lower insulating layer, a lower redistribution pattern, and an under-bump metal (UBM). The upper redistribution layer includes an upper insulating layer, an upper redistribution pattern, an upper via, and an upper connection pad. The lower insulating layer includes an inner insulating pattern surrounding the side surface of the UBM and an outer insulating pattern surrounding the side surface of the inner insulating pattern. The cyclization rate of the inner insulating pattern is higher than the cyclization rate of the outer insulating pattern.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of pending U.S. application Ser. No.17/001,992, filed on Aug. 25, 2020, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0030545, filed on Mar. 12, 2020,in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and entitled: “SemiconductorPackage Including Photo Imageable Dielectric and Manufacturing MethodThereof,” is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments relate to a semiconductor package including a photoimageable dielectric (PID) and a manufacturing method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a panel level package (PLP) structure or a wafer level package (WLP)structure, a portion of an outermost insulating layer that is adjacentto an under-bump metal (UBM) may crack due to a low degree of curingthereof. This may cause deterioration in the reliability of asemiconductor package.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are directed to a semiconductor package, including a frameincluding therein a cavity, a semiconductor chip in the cavity, athrough via penetrating the frame, a connection pad on the frame andconnected to the through via, a lower redistribution layer on the bottomsurface of the frame and the bottom surface of the semiconductor chip, aconnection terminal on the lower redistribution layer, an encapsulantfilling the cavity and covering the top surface of the frame and the topsurface of the semiconductor chip, and an upper redistribution layer onthe encapsulant. The lower redistribution layer may include a lowerinsulating layer, a lower redistribution pattern on the lower insulatinglayer, and an under-bump metal (UBM) between the lower redistributionlayer and the connection terminal. The upper redistribution layer mayinclude an upper insulating layer, an upper redistribution pattern onthe upper insulating layer, and an upper via and an upper connection padconnected to the upper redistribution pattern. The lower insulatinglayer may include an inner insulating pattern surrounding a side surfaceof the UBM, and an outer insulating pattern surrounding a side surfaceof the inner insulating pattern. The cyclization rate of the innerinsulating pattern may be higher than the cyclization rate of the outerinsulating pattern.

A semiconductor package in accordance with an example embodiment mayinclude a semiconductor chip, a mold layer surrounding a side surface ofthe semiconductor chip, a lower redistribution layer under thesemiconductor chip and the mold layer, an upper redistribution layer onthe semiconductor chip and the mold layer, and a through-mold via (TMV)penetrating the mold layer. The lower redistribution layer may include alower insulating layer, a lower redistribution pattern on the lowerinsulating layer, and a lower via and a UBM connected to the lowerredistribution pattern. The lower insulating layer may include an innerinsulating pattern surrounding a side surface of the UBM, and an outerinsulating pattern surrounding a side surface of the inner insulatingpattern. The mechanical strength of the inner insulating pattern may begreater than the mechanical strength of the outer insulating pattern.

A semiconductor package in accordance with an example embodiment mayinclude a semiconductor chip, a mold layer surrounding a side surface ofthe semiconductor chip, a lower redistribution layer under thesemiconductor chip and the mold layer, an upper redistribution layer onthe semiconductor chip and the mold layer, a TMV penetrating the moldlayer and connected to the lower redistribution layer and the upperredistribution layer, and a solder bump between the semiconductor chipand the lower redistribution layer. The lower redistribution layer mayinclude a lower insulating layer covering the bottom surface of the moldlayer, a lower redistribution pattern on the lower insulating layer, anda lower via and a UBM connected to the lower redistribution pattern. Thelower insulating layer may include an inner insulating patternsurrounding a side surface of the UBM, and an outer insulating patternsurrounding a side surface of the inner insulating pattern. The innerinsulating pattern may include polybenzoxazole (PBO), and the outerinsulating pattern may include polybenzoxazole (PBO) andpolyhydroxyamide (PHA).

A semiconductor package in accordance with an example embodiment mayinclude a lower semiconductor package, and an upper semiconductorpackage on the lower semiconductor package. The lower semiconductorpackage may include a semiconductor chip, a mold layer surrounding aside surface of the semiconductor chip, a lower redistribution layerunder the semiconductor chip and the mold layer, an upper redistributionlayer on the semiconductor chip and the mold layer, and a TMVpenetrating the mold layer and connected to the lower redistributionlayer and the upper redistribution layer. The upper semiconductorpackage may include a connection terminal connected to the upperredistribution layer. The lower redistribution layer may include a lowerinsulating layer on the mold layer, a lower via penetrating the lowerinsulating layer, a lower redistribution pattern connected to the lowervia, and a UBM connected to the lower redistribution pattern. The lowerinsulating layer may include an outermost insulating layer disposed suchthat the bottom surface thereof is exposed, and an insulating layer onthe outermost insulating layer. The outermost insulating layer mayinclude an inner insulating pattern surrounding an outer surface of theUBM, and an outer insulating pattern surrounding the inner insulatingpattern. The outermost insulating layer and the insulating layer mayinclude different materials from each other, and the inner insulatingpattern and the outer insulating pattern may include different materialsfrom each other.

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package in accordance with anexample embodiment may include forming a cavity in a frame, placing asemiconductor chip in the cavity, forming an encapsulant covering theframe and the semiconductor chip, forming a lower redistribution layeron the bottom surfaces of the frame and the semiconductor chip, andforming an upper redistribution layer covering the top surface of theencapsulant. The forming the lower redistribution layer may includeforming a lower insulating layer, forming a via penetrating the lowerinsulating layer, forming a lower redistribution pattern on the lowerinsulating layer, forming an outermost insulating layer so as to coverthe lower redistribution pattern and to be disposed such that the topsurface thereof is exposed, removing a portion of the outermostinsulating layer to form an opening, and forming a UBM in the opening.The forming the lower insulating layer may include forming an innerinsulating pattern surrounding a side surface of the UBM, and forming anouter insulating pattern surrounding a side surface of the innerinsulating pattern. The forming the inner insulating pattern may includeselectively heating the outermost insulating layer to form the innerinsulating pattern. The inner insulating pattern may include PID havinga cyclization rate of 100%.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features will become apparent to those of skill in the art by describingin detail example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a semiconductor package 10Aaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of portion A of the semiconductor package 10Ashown in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic top views of portion A of the semiconductorpackage 10A shown in FIG. 1 according to example embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a semiconductor package 10Baccording to another example embodiment.

FIGS. 6 to 10 are cross-sectional views schematically showing stages ina method of forming a semiconductor package according to an exampleembodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are comparison tables showing PBO conversion rates atrespective curing temperature conditions using IR equipment.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the mechanical properties in accordance withPBO cyclization rates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a semiconductor package 10Aaccording to an example embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the semiconductor package 10A may include a lowersemiconductor package 100 and an upper semiconductor package 200. Thesemiconductor package 10A may be, for example, a package-on-package(PoP)-type semiconductor package in which the upper semiconductorpackage 200 is mounted on the lower semiconductor package 100. The lowersemiconductor package 100 may be, for example, a fan-out panel levelpackage (FOPLP)-type semiconductor package.

The lower semiconductor package 100 may include a frame 110, asemiconductor chip 120, an encapsulant 130, a lower redistribution layer140, an upper redistribution layer 150, and a connection terminal 160.

The frame 110 may include a core 111, a connection pad 113, and athrough via 115. The frame 110 may be, for example, a printed circuitboard. The core 111 may have a cavity CV formed in the central portionthereof, and may be a plate having a square rim shape in a top view.

Each of the core 111, the connection pad 113, and the through via 115may be formed in a multi-layered structure. In an example embodiment,the core 111 may include a first core 111 a, which is disposed such thatthe bottom surface thereof is in contact with the lower redistributionlayer 140, and a second core 111 b disposed on the first core 111 a. Theconnection pad 113 may include a first connection pad 113 a, which is incontact with the lower redistribution layer 140 and is embedded in thefirst core 111 a, a second connection pad 113 b, which is disposed onthe first core 111 a, and a third connection pad 113 c, which isdisposed on the second core 111 b. The through via 115 may include afirst through via 115 a, which penetrates the first core 111 a andelectrically connects the first connection pad 113 a to the secondconnection pad 113 b, and a second through via 115 b, which penetratesthe second core 111 b and electrically connects the second connectionpad 113 b to the third connection pad 113 c.

The core 111 may include, for example, at least one of a phenol resin,an epoxy resin, or a polyimide. The core 111 may include, for example,at least one of a flame retardant 4 (FR4) substrate, a tetrafunctionalepoxy, a polyphenylene ether, a bismaleimide triazine (BT), anepoxy/polyphenylene oxide, Thermount, a cyanate ester, a polyimide, or aliquid crystal polymer.

The connection pad 113 may include, for example, at least one of anelectrolytically deposited (ED) copper foil, a rolled-annealed (RA)copper foil, a stainless steel foil, an aluminum foil, an ultra-thincopper foil, a sputtered copper, or a copper alloy.

The through via 115 may include, for example, at least one of copper,nickel, a stainless steel, or beryllium copper.

The semiconductor chip 120 may be disposed in the cavity CV in the core111. A horizontal cross-sectional area of the cavity CV may be largerthan a horizontal cross-sectional area of the semiconductor chip 120.The semiconductor chip 120 may be disposed so as to be spaced apart fromthe inner surface of the core 111 in the cavity CV in the core 111.

A chip pad 122 may be disposed under the semiconductor chip 120. Thebottom surface of the chip pad 122 may be coplanar with the bottomsurface of the semiconductor chip 120. The bottom surface of the chippad 122 may be coplanar with the bottom surface of the connection pad113. In an example embodiment, the chip pad 122 may be disposed on thebottom surface of the semiconductor chip 120, and may have a structureprotruding from the bottom surface of the semiconductor chip 120.

The semiconductor chip 120 may be, for example, a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit(GPU), or an application processor (AP). In an example embodiment, thesemiconductor chip 120 may be a controller semiconductor chip forcontrolling the upper semiconductor package 200 to be described later.

The encapsulant 130 may be disposed in the cavity CV in the core 111,and may be disposed on the frame 110 and the semiconductor chip 120. Theencapsulant 130 may cover the top surface of the frame 110 and the topsurface of the semiconductor chip 120. The encapsulant 130 maycompletely fill the space between the inner surface of the core 111 andthe side surface of the semiconductor chip 120 in the cavity CV in thecore 111, and may be in contact with the lower redistribution layer 140and the upper redistribution layer 150. The encapsulant 130 may includean insulating material such as Ajinomoto build-up film (ABF). In anotherimplementation, the encapsulant 130 may include a photo imageableencapsulant (PIE).

The lower redistribution layer 140 may be disposed on the bottom surfaceLS of the frame 110 and the bottom surface of the semiconductor chip120, and the upper redistribution layer 150 may be disposed on the frame110. The upper redistribution layer 150 may be disposed on theencapsulant 130.

The lower redistribution layer 140 may include lower insulating layers141 and 143, a lower redistribution pattern 145 and a lower via 147, andan under-bump metal (UBM) 149. The lower insulating layers 141 and 143may be stacked on the bottom surface of the frame 110. The lowerinsulating layers 141 and 143 may include, for example, an outermostinsulating layer 143 having an exposed bottom surface and an insulatinglayer 141 disposed on the outermost insulating layer 143. Thus, theinsulating layer 141 may cover the bottom surface of the frame 110, andthe outermost insulating layer 143 may form the bottom surface of thelower semiconductor package 100.

The lower insulating layers 141 and 143 may include a different materialfrom the other one thereof, for example, the insulating layer 141 andthe outermost insulating layer 143 may include different materials fromeach other. For example, the insulating layer 141 may include Ajinomotobuild-up film (ABF), epoxy, or polyimide. In another implementation, theinsulating layer 141 may be a resin impregnated together with aninorganic filler in a core material such as a glass fiber (or a glasscloth or a glass fabric), for example, prepreg, FR-4, bismaleimidetriazine (BT), or solder resist. The outermost insulating layer 143 maybe a photo imageable dielectric (PID).

A plurality of lower redistribution patterns 145 and lower vias 147 maybe disposed in a multi-layered structure on the bottom surface of theframe 110. The lower redistribution pattern 145 may be disposed on thelower insulating layer 141, and the UBM 149 may be disposed on the lowerredistribution pattern 145. The UBM 149 may be disposed between thelower redistribution layer 140 and the connection terminal 160. Thelower redistribution pattern 145 and the UBM 149 may include, forexample, copper, nickel, stainless steel, or a copper alloy such asberyllium copper.

The upper redistribution layer 150 may be disposed on the top surface ofthe frame 110. The upper redistribution layer 150 may include an upperinsulating layer 151, an upper redistribution pattern 153, an upper via155, and an upper connection pad 157. The upper insulating layer 151 maybe disposed on the encapsulant 130. The upper insulating layer 151 mayinclude an ABF and/or a solder resist layer.

The upper redistribution pattern 153 may be disposed on the encapsulant130. The upper redistribution pattern 153 may be disposed on the upperinsulating layer 151. The upper via 155 may be connected to the upperredistribution pattern 153. The upper via 155 may penetrate theencapsulant 130 covering the top surface HS of the core 111, and mayconnect the connection pad 113 to the upper redistribution pattern 153.The upper connection pad 157 may be disposed on the upper redistributionpattern 153. The upper via 155 and the upper redistribution pattern 153may include copper. The upper connection pad 157 may include nickeland/or aluminum. The upper redistribution layer 150 may include the samematerials as the lower redistribution layer 140.

The connection terminal 160 may be disposed on the lower redistributionlayer 140. The connection terminal 160 may be in contact with the UBM149 of the lower redistribution layer 140. The connection terminal 160may be disposed on the lower redistribution pattern 145 of the upperredistribution layer 150. The connection terminal 160 may be in contactwith the upper connection pad 157. For example, the connection terminal160 may be a solder ball or a bump. The connection terminal 160 mayelectrically connect the lower semiconductor package 100 to the uppersemiconductor package 200.

The upper semiconductor package 200 may be flip-chip bonded onto thelower semiconductor package 100. The upper semiconductor package 200 maybe electrically connected to the semiconductor chip 120 by theconnection terminal 160 and the upper redistribution layer 150. Theupper semiconductor package 200 may include, for example, a memorysemiconductor chip. For example, the memory semiconductor chip may be avolatile memory semiconductor chip such as DRAM or SRAM, or may be anonvolatile memory semiconductor chip such as PRAM, MRAM, FeRAM, orRRAM.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged inverted view of portion A of the semiconductorpackage 10A shown in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment. FIGS. 3and 4 are schematic top views of portion A of the semiconductor package10A shown in FIG. 1 according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the outermost insulating layer 143 may include aninner insulating pattern 143 a and an outer insulating pattern 143 b.The inner insulating pattern 143 a may cover the outer surface of theUBM 149. The inner insulating pattern 143 a may cover the side and topsurfaces of the lower redistribution pattern 145. The bottom surface ofthe inner insulating pattern 143 a may be in contact with the topsurface of the lower insulating layer 141. The outer insulating pattern143 b may cover the outer surface of the inner insulating pattern 143 a.The outer insulating pattern 143 b may be spaced apart from the lowerredistribution pattern 145 and the UBM 149.

The inner insulating pattern 143 a and the outer insulating pattern 143b may include a photo imageable dielectric (PID). The inner insulatingpattern 143 a and the outer insulating pattern 143 b may includedifferent materials from each other. For example, the inner insulatingpattern 143 a may include polybenzoxazole (PBO) resin or polyimide (PI)resin. The outer insulating pattern 143 b may include polyhydroxyamide(PHA) and polybenzoxazole (PBO). In another implementation, the outerinsulating pattern 143 b may include polyamic acid (PAA) and polyimide(PI). In an example embodiment, when the inner insulating pattern 143 aincludes polybenzoxazole (PBO) and the outer insulating pattern 143 bincludes polybenzoxazole (PBO) and polyhydroxyamide (PHA), theproportion of polybenzoxazole (PBO) in the inner insulating pattern 143a may be different from the proportion of polybenzoxazole (PBO) in theouter insulating pattern 143 b. The proportion of polybenzoxazole (PBO)in the inner insulating pattern 143 a may be greater than the proportionof polybenzoxazole (PBO) in the outer insulating pattern 143 b.

In an example embodiment, the cyclization rate of the inner insulatingpattern 143 a may be higher than the cyclization rate of the outerinsulating pattern 143 b (the cyclization rate is the proportion of thecopolymer in which cyclization occurs). For example, the cyclizationrate of the inner insulating pattern 143 a may be 100%, and thecyclization rate of the outer insulating pattern 143 b may be lower. Forexample, polyhydroxyamide (PHA), which is a precursor of polybenzoxazole(PBO), may be subjected to cyclization through a chemical or thermalmethod, and may be converted into polybenzoxazole (PBO). Polyamic acid(PAA), which is a precursor of polyimide (PI), may be subjected tocyclization through a chemical or thermal method, and may be convertedinto polyimide (PI). In this case, the proportion of polyhydroxyamide(PHA) that is converted into polybenzoxazole (PBO) and the proportion ofpolyamic acid (PAA) that is converted into polyimide (PI) are thecyclization rates.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the inner insulating pattern 143 a may surroundthe UBM 149. In an example embodiment, the inner insulating pattern 143a may have a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the UBM 149 ina top view. For example, the inner insulating pattern 143 a may have apolygonal rim shape in a top view. The diameter R2 of the innerinsulating pattern 143 a may be 1.1 to 1.5 times the diameter R1 of theUBM 149.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the UBM 149 may have a circular shape in a topview. The inner insulating pattern 143 a may have a circular rim shape.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a semiconductor package 10Baccording to another example embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the semiconductor package 10B may be a wafer levelpackage. For example, the semiconductor package 10B may be a fan-outwafer level package. In another implementation, the semiconductorpackage 10B may be a fan-in wafer level package. In an exampleembodiment, the wafer level package may be a package-on-package(PoP)-type semiconductor package in which an upper semiconductor package400 is mounted on a lower semiconductor package 300.

The semiconductor package 10B may include a semiconductor chip 310, amold layer 320, a through-mold via (TMV) 330, a lower redistributionlayer 340, an upper redistribution layer 350, a connection terminal 260,and an upper semiconductor package 400.

The mold layer 320 may surround the side surface of the semiconductorchip 310. The mold layer 320 may include, for example, an epoxy moldingcompound (EMC). The lower redistribution layer 340 may be disposed underthe semiconductor chip 310 and the mold layer 320, and the upperredistribution layer 350 may be disposed on the semiconductor chip 310and the mold layer 320.

The TMV 330 may penetrate the mold layer 320. The TMV 330 may bedisposed so as to be spaced apart from the side surface of thesemiconductor chip 310. The TMV 330 may electrically connect the upperredistribution layer 350 to the lower redistribution layer 340. Thesemiconductor chip 310 may be provided in a plural number. When aplurality of semiconductor chips 310 is provided, the TMV 330 may alsobe disposed between the semiconductor chips 310.

The lower redistribution layer 340 may include lower insulating layers341 and 346, a lower redistribution pattern 342, a lower via 343, alower pad 344, and a UBM 345. A solder bump 315 may be disposed betweenthe lower redistribution layer 340 and the semiconductor chip 310. Thesolder bump 315 may electrically connect the lower redistribution layer340 to the semiconductor chip 310.

Among the lower insulating layers 341 and 346, an outermost insulatinglayer 346, which has an exposed bottom surface, may include an innerinsulating pattern 346 a and an outer insulating pattern 346 b, like theoutermost insulating layer 143 described above with reference to FIGS. 1to 4 . In an example embodiment, the mechanical strength of the innerinsulating pattern 346 a may be greater than the mechanical strength ofthe outer insulating pattern 346 b. For example, the mechanical strength(e.g. elongation or toughness) of the inner insulating pattern 346 a maybe two or more times the mechanical strength of the outer insulatingpattern 346 b.

The upper redistribution layer 350 may include an upper insulating layer351, an upper redistribution pattern 352, an upper via 353, an upper pad354, and an upper connection pad 355. The upper insulating layer 351 maycover the top surfaces of the mold layer 320 and the semiconductor chip310. The upper redistribution pattern 352 may be disposed on the upperinsulating layer 351, and the upper via 353 may be disposed on the upperredistribution pattern 352. The upper pad 354 may be connected to theupper end of the TMV 330, and may electrically connect the upperredistribution pattern 352 to the TMV 330. The upper connection pad 355may be disposed between the upper redistribution pattern 352 and theconnection terminal 260.

FIGS. 6 to 10 are cross-sectional views schematically showing stages amethod of forming a semiconductor package according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 6 shows the cross-section of a portion of a frame 110 that may beused as a unit package. The size of the frame 110 may be set to varioussizes that are suitable for mass production. Depending on the method, aframe 110 having a large size may be prepared, and a plurality ofsemiconductor packages may be manufactured using the same, and may bedivided into individual packages through a sawing process.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the method may include providing a frame 110including a core 111, a connection pad 113, and a through via 115.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the method may include forming a cavity CV throughthe frame 110, attaching an adhesive film 117 to the bottom surface ofthe frame 110, placing a semiconductor chip 120 in the cavity CV, andforming an encapsulant 130 in the space between the core 111 and thesemiconductor chip 120.

For example, the adhesive film 117 may be an Ajinomoto build-up film(ABF), and may function as a support film for supporting thesemiconductor chip 120. The adhesive film 117 may cover the bottomsurface of the connection pad 113 and/or the bottom surface of the core111.

The semiconductor chip 120 may be disposed in the cavity CV in the core111, and may be attached onto the adhesive film 117. The semiconductorchip 120 may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the inner surfaceof the cavity CV such that a space may be provided between the innersurface of the core 111 and the side surface of the semiconductor chip120.

A chip pad 122 may be on the bottom surface of the semiconductor chip120, and the semiconductor chip 120 may be disposed in a face-downarrangement such that the chip pad 122 is oriented downwards. The bottomsurface of the semiconductor chip 120 and the bottom surface of the chippad 122 may be completely covered by the adhesive film 117.

The encapsulant 130 may completely fill the space between the innersurface of the core 111 and the side surface of the semiconductor chip120 in the cavity CV in the core 111, and may be in contact with the topsurface of the adhesive film 117. The encapsulant 130 may serve to fixthe semiconductor chip 120 to minimize movement of the semiconductorchip 120 during subsequent processing.

Referring to FIG. 8 , and as explained in further detail below, themethod may include attaching a first carrier substrate CA1 onto theencapsulant 130, removing the adhesive film 117, and forming a lowerredistribution layer 140 on the bottom surface of the frame 110. Theforming the lower redistribution layer 140 may include forming a lowerinsulating layer 141, a lower redistribution pattern 145, a lower via147, and a UBM 149 (see FIG. 9 ).

In detail, the intermediate product having the first carrier substrateCA attached thereto may be turned over such that the first carriersubstrate CA1 is oriented downwards and the chip pad 122 of thesemiconductor chip 120 is oriented upwards. Subsequently, the lowerinsulating layer 141 may be formed so as to cover the bottom surface ofthe semiconductor chip 120, the bottom surface of the frame 110, and thebottom surface LS of the encapsulant 130. The lower insulating layer 141may be, for example, an ABF. The lower via 147 may be formed so as topenetrate the lower insulating layer 141, and the lower redistributionpattern 145 may be formed on the lower insulating layer 141 and thelower via 147. The lower insulating layer 141, the lower redistributionpattern 145, and the lower via 147 may be formed in a multi-layeredstructure.

The lower redistribution pattern 145 and the lower via 147 may beformed, for example, through a plating method. For example, the platingmethod may include an electroplating method, an electroless platingmethod, and/or an immersion plating method. When the lowerredistribution pattern 145 and the lower via 147 are formed through theplating method, before the lower insulating layer 141 is formed, a seedlayer may be formed in advance to cover the connection pad 113 of theframe 110 and the chip pad 122 of the semiconductor chip 120.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the method may include forming an outermostinsulating layer 143 and forming a UBM 149.

Resin not including a filler may be coated and cured to form theoutermost insulating layer 143. The outermost insulating layer 143 maybe formed in a manner such that the coated resin is primarily heated to230° C. or lower in order to prevent the insulating layer 141 from beingdeformed by thermal stress applied thereto. The outermost insulatinglayer 143 may cover the exposed top surface of the lower insulatinglayer 141 and the exposed surface of the lower redistribution pattern145. For example, the outermost insulating layer 143 may include a photoimageable dielectric (PID). A portion of the outermost insulating layer143 may be removed through an exposure process to form an opening. Aportion of the lower redistribution pattern 145 may be exposed throughthe opening.

Mask patterns MP may be formed on the lower redistribution pattern 145.For example, the mask patterns MP may be photoresists. A mask opening OPformed between the mask patterns MP may have a larger horizontal areathan the opening. Subsequently, the UBM 149 may be formed in the maskopening OP. For example, the UBM 149 may be formed through theaforementioned plating method. Subsequently, the mask patterns MP andthe carrier substrate CA1 may be removed.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the method may include forming an innerinsulating pattern 143 a and an outer insulating pattern 143 b.

The UBM 149 may be selectively heated, and the portion of the outermostinsulating layer 143 that is located in the vicinity of the UBM 149 maybe secondarily heated, thereby forming the inner insulating pattern 143a. The UBM 149 may be heated to 300° C. or higher. The UBM 149 mayinclude a material having high thermal conductivity, such as copper.Thus, when sufficiently heated to 300° C. or higher, heat may beconducted to the outermost insulating layer 143. Accordingly, theportion of the outermost insulating layer 143 that is adjacent to theUBM 149 may be further cured to form the inner insulating pattern 143 a.The outermost insulating layer 143 may include a material havingrelatively low thermal conductivity, such as a photo imageabledielectric (PID). Thus, the portion thereof that is adjacent to the UBM149 may alone be selectively cured, and heat may be conducted only tothe outermost insulating layer 143, without being conducted to the lowerinsulating layer 141.

When the outermost insulating layer 143 is secondarily heated to 300° C.or higher, the cyclization rate of the photo imageable dielectric (PID)may increase, thus leading to improvement of mechanical/thermalproperties of the inner insulating pattern 143 a. Accordingly, theoccurrence of cracking in the vicinity of the UBM 149 may be prevented,and thus the reliability of the package and the chemical resistancethereof in a flux process may be improved.

For example, when the outermost insulating layer 143 is a photoimageable dielectric (PID) including polyhydroxyamide (PHA), thepolyhydroxyamide (PHA) may be converted into polybenzoxazole (PBO)through thermal cyclization. Accordingly, the inner insulating patternmay be composed of polybenzoxazole (PBO), and the outer insulatingpattern may include polyhydroxyamide (PHA) and polybenzoxazole (PBO).

As another example, when the outermost insulating layer 143 is a photoimageable dielectric (PID) including polyamic acid (PAA), the polyamicacid (PAA) may be converted into polyimide (PI) through thermalcyclization. Accordingly, the inner insulating pattern 143 a may becomposed of polyimide (PI), and the outer insulating pattern 143 b mayinclude polyimide (PI) and polyamic acid (PAA).

The UBM 149 may be selectively heated using, for example, rapid thermalprocess (RTP) equipment 500. For example, the rapid thermal process(RTP) equipment 500 may be near-infrared (IR) equipment. The equipment500 may selectively heat only the UBM 149 by adjusting the wavelengthrange of radiation using the phenomenon in which the radiationabsorptivity of copper (Cu) varies depending on the optical propertiesof the surface of Cu. For example, the wavelength range of radiation forselectively heating the UBM 149 composed of copper may be 0.78 μm to 2.5μm. Subsequently, a connection terminal 160 may be formed on the UBM149.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are comparison tables showing PBO conversion rates atrespective curing temperature conditions using IR equipment. Theconversion rate (i.e. the cyclization rate) of a photo imageabledielectric (PID) at each temperature may be calculated by comparing theFT-IR peak before heating with the FT-IR peak after heating. Forexample, the PBO conversion rate may be calculated using the ratio ofthe reduced C═O & C—NH amide (after heating) to the aromatic ring C—C ofthe photo imageable dielectric (PID) (before heating).

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, it can be appreciated that thepolybenzoxazole (PBO) conversion rate (i.e. the cyclization rate) is100% when polyhydroxyamide (PHA) is heated to 300° C. or higher andcured. However, it can be appreciated that the polybenzoxazole (PBO)conversion rate is less than 100% when polyhydroxyamide (PHA) is heatedto a temperature lower than 300° C. and cured.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the mechanical properties in accordance withPBO cyclization rates.

Referring to FIG. 12 , it can be appreciated that the mechanicalstrength (e.g. elongation or toughness) of a photo imageable dielectric(PID) having a cyclization rate of 100% is improved two times or more ascompared with the mechanical strength of a photo imageable dielectric(PID) having a cyclization rate of 98.7%.

According to an example embodiment, the inner insulating pattern 143 aincludes a photo imageable dielectric (PID) having a cyclization rate of100%. Thus, the thermal and mechanical properties thereof may beenhanced, and the occurrence of cracking thereof in the vicinity of theUBM 149 may be reduced. As a result, the reliability of thesemiconductor package may be improved.

By way of summation and review, heating an insulating layer to a hightemperature may be employed to increase the degree of curing of theoutermost insulating layer. In this case, thermal stress may be appliedto a layer disposed under the outermost insulating layer. The outermostinsulating layer and a layer disposed thereunder may include differentmaterials, and thus may have different thermal expansion coefficientsfrom each other. Thus, the thermal stress may cause cracking to occurbetween the outermost insulating layer and the layer disposedthereunder.

As described above, embodiments may provide a semiconductor package inwhich a photo imageable dielectric (PID) having enhanced physicalproperties is provided in the vicinity of an under-bump metal (UBM),which may reduce or prevent the occurrence of cracking.

As described above, a semiconductor package may include an insulatinglayer in the vicinity of a UBM that has improved mechanical and thermalproperties. Thus, the occurrence of cracking thereof may be prevented,and the reliability of the semiconductor package and the chemicalresistance thereof in a flux process may be improved.

Embodiments may provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductorpackage for selectively heating a PID in the vicinity of a UBM to a hightemperature while preventing the application of thermal stress to alayer disposed under the PID.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specificterms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. In someinstances, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art asof the filing of the present application, features, characteristics,and/or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment maybe used singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and/orelements described in connection with other embodiments unless otherwisespecifically indicated. Accordingly, it will be understood by those ofskill in the art that various changes in form and details may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention asset forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor package, comprising: a lowerredistribution layer including a plurality of lower insulating layers, aplurality of lower redistribution patterns disposed in the plurality oflower insulating layers, and an under-bump metal (UBM) extended in anoutermost lower insulating layer among the plurality of lower insulatinglayers and connected to an outermost lower redistribution pattern amongthe plurality of lower redistribution patterns; a semiconductor chipdisposed on the lower redistribution layer and electrically connected tothe plurality of lower redistribution patterns; a mold layer surroundingthe semiconductor chip on the lower redistribution layer; an upperredistribution layer disposed on the mold layer and including at leastone upper redistribution pattern; a through-mold via (TMV) penetratingthe mold layer and connected to the plurality of lower redistributionpatterns and the at least one upper redistribution pattern; and aconnection terminal disposed on the UBM, wherein the outermost lowerinsulating layer includes a first compound that is a precursor compoundand a second compound that is cyclized from the first compound, and hasa first portion including the second compound relative to the firstcompound in a first proportion and a second portion including the secondcompound relative to the first compound in a second proportion less thanthe first proportion.
 2. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim1, wherein the first compound includes a polyhydroxyamide or a polyamicacid.
 3. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesecond compound includes a polybenzoxazole or a polyimide.
 4. Thesemiconductor package as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firstproportion is 100%.
 5. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim 1,wherein the second proportion is lower than 100%.
 6. The semiconductorpackage as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outermost lower insulatinglayer is a photo imageable dielectric.
 7. The semiconductor package asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion surrounds a side surfaceof the UBM.
 8. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe second portion surrounds a side surface of the first portion.
 9. Asemiconductor package, comprising: a lower redistribution layerincluding a plurality of lower insulating layers, a plurality of lowerredistribution patterns disposed in the plurality of lower insulatinglayers, and an under-bump metal (UBM) extended in an outermost lowerinsulating layer among the plurality of lower insulating layers andconnected to an outermost lower redistribution pattern among theplurality of lower redistribution patterns; a semiconductor chipdisposed on the lower redistribution layer and electrically connected tothe plurality of lower redistribution patterns; and a mold layersurrounding the semiconductor chip on the lower redistribution layer;wherein the outermost lower insulating layer has an outer portionsurrounding the UBM, and an inner portion between the UBM and the outerportion and having an elongation and a toughness greater than that ofthe outer portion.
 10. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim 9,wherein: the outer portion includes a first compound that is a precursorcompound and a second compound that is cyclized from the first compound,and the inner portion includes the second compound.
 11. Thesemiconductor package as claimed in claim 10, wherein a cyclization rateof the inner portion is higher than a cyclization rate of the outerportion.
 12. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe inner portion is a photo imageable dielectric having a cyclizationrate of 100%.
 13. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim 9,wherein the outer portion includes a photo imageable dielectric having acyclization rate lower than 100%.
 14. The semiconductor package asclaimed in claim 9, wherein: the inner portion includes a photoimageable dielectric including a polybenzoxazole, and the outer portionincludes a photo imageable dielectric including a polyhydroxyamide and apolybenzoxazole.
 15. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim 9,wherein: the inner portion includes a photo imageable dielectricincluding a polyimide, and the outer portion includes a photo imageabledielectric including a polyamic acid and a polyimide.
 16. Asemiconductor package, comprising: a lower redistribution layerincluding a plurality of lower insulating layers, a plurality of lowerredistribution patterns disposed in the plurality of lower insulatinglayers, and an under-bump metal (UBM) extended in an outermost lowerinsulating layer among the plurality of lower insulating layers andconnected to an outermost lower redistribution pattern among theplurality of lower redistribution patterns; a semiconductor chipdisposed on the lower redistribution layer and electrically connected tothe plurality of lower redistribution patterns; and a mold layersurrounding the semiconductor chip on the lower redistribution layer,wherein: the outermost lower insulating layer has a first portionsurrounding a side surface of the UBM, and a second portion surroundinga side surface of the first portion, and on a plane, an edge of the UBMis defined as a polygonal or circular rim shape by the side surface ofthe UBM, and an edge of the first portion is defined as a shapecorresponding to the edge of the UBM by the side surface of the firstportion.
 17. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim 16, wherein adiameter of the first portion is 1.1 to 1.5 times a diameter of the UBM.18. The semiconductor package as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the firstportion includes a photo imageable dielectric including apolybenzoxazole, and the second portion includes a photo imageabledielectric including a polyhydroxyamide and a polybenzoxazole.
 19. Thesemiconductor package as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the first portionincludes a photo imageable dielectric including a polyimide, and thesecond portion includes a photo imageable dielectric including apolyamic acid and a polyimide.
 20. The semiconductor package as claimedin claim 16, wherein a cyclization rate of the first portion is higherthan a cyclization rate of the second portion.